Curtin University

What you'll study

The Doctor of Education is a research-intensive programme centred on an original doctoral thesis that addresses a significant problem of practice or policy in education. Students develop and execute an extended research project under faculty supervision, drawing on advanced research methods and theoretical frameworks from the fields of curriculum, pedagogy, leadership, assessment, and education policy.

Typical study components and emphases include:

• Research training: advanced qualitative and quantitative methods, mixed-methods design, research ethics, data management and digital scholarship.
• Theory and literature: deep engagement with contemporary debates in educational theory, policy analysis, and practitioner inquiry.
• Practice-focused inquiry: design and implementation of studies that investigate classroom practice, school improvement, professional learning, or system-level interventions.
• Dissertation/thesis: an original, sustained research thesis that makes a contribution to knowledge and to professional practice; students are expected to prepare outputs suitable for peer-reviewed publication and for dissemination to practitioner audiences.
• Professional development: opportunities for academic writing, research impact, grant-seeking, supervision of junior researchers, and preparation for research leadership roles.

Delivery is typically flexible to accommodate practising professionals, combining individual supervision, cohort workshops or seminar series, and engagement with Curtin’s research training programmes and HDR community.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally require a recognised postgraduate qualification in education or a related discipline, typically a master’s degree with a substantial research component or evidence of equivalent research experience. Candidates who hold a completed master’s by research (e.g. MPhil or research master’s) are competitive, as are applicants with significant professional leadership experience and evidence of scholarly activity.

Other standard expectations include:

• A clear research proposal outlining the proposed problem of practice, research questions, methodology and potential contribution.
• A curriculum vitae documenting relevant professional and research experience.
• Academic transcripts and referees who can speak to the applicant’s research capability and professional practice.
• Demonstrated English language proficiency where required by university policy.
• Availability of appropriate supervisory expertise within Curtin to support the proposed project; applicants should engage with potential supervisors before applying where possible.

Admission may be subject to an interview and the university’s assessment of the proposed project’s feasibility and alignment with Faculty research strengths.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Doctor of Education commonly move into senior and specialised roles across education sectors. Typical career pathways include:

• Senior school and system leadership (e.g. principals, regional directors, system managers) with enhanced capacity to lead evidence-based improvement.
• Policy roles in government departments and non-government education organisations focusing on curriculum, assessment, equity and accountability.
• Academic and research positions in universities and research institutes, including roles in teacher education, applied research centres and higher degree supervision.
• Consultancy and leadership positions with NGOs and international education agencies, providing research-informed advice on programme design and evaluation.
• Leadership of professional learning, curriculum development and school change initiatives within schooling networks and community organisations.

Because the programme emphasises both rigorous research skills and practice relevance, graduates are well placed to translate research into policy and practice and to take up roles that bridge research, leadership and implementation.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin offers a research environment with strong engagement in applied education research and established strengths in areas such as curriculum and pedagogy, educational leadership, Indigenous education, and equity in schooling. Candidates benefit from experienced supervisors across a range of specialisms and access to Curtin’s research training, statistical and qualitative methodology support, and HDR professional development offerings.

The university’s emphasis on industry and community partnerships supports practice-oriented projects and creates pathways for research to influence policy and classroom practice. Flexible study options and a supportive HDR community make the programme suitable for practising professionals seeking to balance work and doctoral study.